Music

In Baja California Sur, the State School of Music offers workshops on music appreciation, and formal courses in guitar, piano, double bass, trumpet, drums, French horn, violin, electronic bass, and viola.  In early 2003, 441 students enrolled, but by the end of the year, there were only 214 active students. The State School of Music is also the seat of the Baja California Sur Youth Orchestra, which after just three years in operation, was classified by the National System for the Promotion of Music as the orchestra with the greatest growth in number of performances in 2003.  This resulted in nine children being chosen to be part of the National Children and Youth Orchestra.  Baja California Sur Youth Orchestra tours throughout the state giving concerts.

Unfortunately, resource challenges are pervasive in music education.  For instance, there is no formal musical education in rural communities, due to a dearth of promoters, local art education centers, or cultural bureaus.  Likewise, despite its success, it has been difficult to keep up the activities of the Baja California Sur Youth Orchestra, due to high expenses for this and other classical music projects around the state.  Furthermore, customs procedures have hindered donations and purchases of musical instruments, directly affecting both the development of the orchestra, as well as the diffusion of interest in classical music.

The ISC yearbook does not keep good records for musicians and actors outside of the city of La Paz.  The lack of data about musicians in the municipality of Loreto is remarkable, since this community has a strong tradition of musical performance, especially of ranchera music.  It is also difficult to engage musicians for ISC performances because many musicians perform at bars and restaurants, which is more lucrative.